Clearing space
Objects of questionable meaning to the author. (Photo by Annie Fanning.)
Seattle, Washington. While researching my latest article on home organization, I contacted Certified Professional Organizer Jean Prominski of Seattle Sparkle. It was early in the writing process, and I was working the wellness angle, reflecting on how an organized home space improves my own mood and overall mental acuity.
Reading through the content on the Seattle Sparkle website, I was struck by an idea Prominski shared in a recent blog post: “People rarely struggle because they don’t know how to organize. They struggle because they’re overwhelmed.”
Yes, I thought at the time. Like the struggle, the overwhelm is real!
So how do we neutralize that initial anxiety, to clear the mental path to clean out closets and deal with the piles, without staring down an existential crisis?
I asked Prominski just that in email. Although her answers didn’t ultimately make it into the final edit, I think her insight is helpful. For people starting a home reset and feeling a little anxious, I’ve included an edited version of our exchange here:
In a recent blog post, you wrote that people rarely struggle because they don’t know how to organize — they struggle because they’re overwhelmed. Do you have any suggestions on how to neutralize the initial anxiety?
Of course, Prominski recommends talking to a doctor, naturopath or functional medicine practioner to rule out medical causes or other sensitivities. “It’s amazing how many things can cause anxiety from food intolerances, hormones, thyroid issues, lack of sleep, blood sugar imbalances, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, chronic stress, financial strain, relationship conflict, PTSD, a sedentary lifestyle, being “too busy,” too much clutter, etc.,” writes Prominiski.
Beyond checking in with your medical team, Prominski offers some tips and practical advice for working through the overwhelm.
Break things down into manageable chunks
“I recommend making a list, and then writing each element down on index cards. Lay the index cards out on a table or floor so you can move them around and order them. You can’t do everything at once, and this process helps someone focus on one thing at a time,” explains Prominiski.
Remind yourself “progress is better than perfection”
“It’s surprising how often people get overwhelmed because they think they need to do it perfectly, and don’t have the time/energy, so they just avoid the task completely.” Cut yourself some slack now, before you even get started.
Treat the “overwhelm” as information about yourself
“Something else to consider is that feeling “overwhelmed” is information,” says Prominski. “Instead of forcing yourself to push through, consider: 'Is this project too big? Am I tired? Am I hungry? Am I grieving? Am I trying to make too many decisions at once? Do I need help?’” And, don’t ignore the answers you get when you ask yourself questions!
Count down to stop procrastinating
Prominski recommends a method from the popular book by Mel Robbins, The Let Them Theory. “Basically, you say, “5-4-3-2-1,” either aloud or in your head before doing something you are feeling resistance to,” explains Prominski, “and this helps break bad habits, stop hesitating, and take action.”
Adjust your attitude and your aura!
To further calm your nervous system before a big clean, Prominski gives a shout-out to a coach she’s worked with for many years, Michelle Rae Woodward and her book, Clean Your Field: A Practical Guide to Energetic Hygiene for Modern Life.
The companion to this blog post, my article on decluttering for lifemaxxing, appeared in Sunday edition of the Seattle Times on August 10.
